Blooming This Week (first week of September)

Chelone 'Hot Lips'
("Hot Lips Turtlehead")

Glossy heavy-substance dark green leaves that retain their fresh appearance throughout the season are enough to earn this plant a place in the garden. Add to that the benefit of its very late bloom period and you have a winner! The pink flowers are born in dense spikes atop 24"-36" stems in autumn. The common name comes from the resemblance of the flowers to a turtle's head peeking out of its shell. Chelone thrives in moist to wet soil but will also perform beautifully in regular garden soil, although dry sites should be avoided. It is happiest in light shade but will tolerate full sun if kept well watered.